Law School Deans Protest Defense Official's Criticism of Law Firms for Providing Pro Bono Representation to Suspected Terrorist Detainees

The deans of more than 100 law schools are strongly protesting a statement by an assistant secretary of defense that criticized law firms for providing pro bono representation for suspected terrorist detainees.

"We find Secretary (Charles "Cully") Stimson's statement to be contrary to basic tenets of American law," the deans wrote in a jointly signed letter that was released today (Jan. 15). "We teach our students that lawyers have a professional obligation to ensure that even the most despised and unpopular individuals and groups receive zealous and effective legal representation." In his statement on Jan. 11, Stimson was critical of law firms for their pro bono representation of suspected terrorist detainees and encouraged corporate executives to force those law firms to choose between their pro bono and paying clients

The deans sharply took issue with Stimson's position.

"Our American legal tradition has honored lawyers who, despite their personal beliefs, have zealously represented mass murderers, suspected terrorists, and Nazi marchers. "At this moment in time, when our courts have endorsed the right of the Guantanamo detainees to be heard in courts of law, it is critical that qualified lawyers provide effective representation to these individuals. "By doing so, these lawyers protect not only the rights of the detainees, but also our shared constitutional principles. In a free and democratic society, government officials should not encourage intimidation of or retaliation against lawyers who are fulfilling their pro bono obligations. We urge the Administration promptly and unequivocally to repudiate Secretary Stimson's remarks."

The letter was emailed to the law school deans on Sunday by Harold Hongju Koh and Emily Spieler, deans of Yale and Northeastern University Schools of Law, respectively. Within 24 hours more than 100 deans signed the letter.

Related coverage:

The Washington Post, January 17, 2007: Pentagon Official Apologizes for Remarks

The Harvard Crimson, January 17, 2007: Kagan Joins Critics of Boycott Proposal

The New York Sun, January 17, 2007: Law School Deans Criticize Pentagon Statement on Detainees

The Boston Globe, January 16, 2007: Law school deans sign letter condemning boycott